Rules and Regulations
All users of national forests are subject to federal and state regulations. As a visitor to the national forest, you must follow certain rules and regulations designed to ensure your health and safety, to protect the forest, and to promote pleasant outdoor experiences for everyone.
Visit Know Before You Go for more information on general rules and safety.
Forest Supervisor Orders
Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises, often for public health and safety or to protect resources. Some are temporary closures that are rescinded at a later date; others are more permanent and are reissued every several years. These orders are available at Forest Service offices and on the forest website. They are in pdf format and will include a map of the area affected by the order. You may also contact either the Supervisor's Office or District Office.
View Forest Supervisor's Orders
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Other rules that originate from various state and federal regulations are enforced in this area. This is particularly true in the case of traffic, boating, hunting, fishing and trapping. Forest Hunting Guidelines, and MN DNR Resources can provide forest and state rules and regulations. Most of these are available in the Hunting and Fishing Guide, published yearly.
Superior National Forest Hunting Guidelines
Vehicles and Driving - Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
State traffic laws apply throughout the Forest, so check with the MN DOT for traffic regulations. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are maintained specifically for use on the Superior, and these can be downloaded, printed, or ordered for personal use.
Minnesota DOT Traffic Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations and Forest Rules for National Forests
The full set of forest rules and regulations are published in Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property of the Code of Federal Regulations, available at Forest Service offices and online. These regulations are updated annually. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
36 CFR - Parks, Forests, and Public Property
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
The BWCAW is over 1,098,000 acres of federally designated wilderness within the Superior National Forest. It is subject to higher level national protections and much more remote, thus preparedness and following Leave No Trace Principles are critically important.
Plan Your Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Rules and Regulations
Superior National Forest Tip-line
To report a non-emergency violation, e-mail sm.fs.suf-tipline@usda.gov. Providing the basics: who, what, when, and where along with details like road names, vehicle license numbers, etc. will allow the forest to best respond to each incident. In case of emergency call 911.